Monday, August 15, 2011

Strangely Cool - An Update

It was ONLY 70 this morning!!! And I was just thinking the other day, you know it's been too damn hot when 95 feels pretty good... Of course, it's just a brief respite, we'll be back to sweltering in a couple of days.But wow, 70 was positively refreshing as I was being drug down the street by the Sled Dog this morning...

we've had GREAT clouds the last couple of weeks....

As predicted, last week was a circus, just like the week before. Got a lot of things done, but I think that combined with the smog has actually been slightly detrimental. I've got a serious case of fatigue going on, coupled with headaches which I KNOW are because of the dirty air. Still can't believe I live somewhere with smog - what happened to the crystal clear days of Clovis, NM? Oh, yeah, I moved here to the navel of the US... So hopefully this next day or two of cooler weather will help me out; if not, some clean air in my lungs up in OH next week might do the trick - assuming I don't get ebola or Marburg or anything like that from the lovely recycled air on the plane. Did I mention I really don't like flying? I was GROUND CREW for a reason...

one disadvantage to living in the mountains - trying to find a clear view of THE SKY. Since I don't seem to have access to many rooftops, trying to get a clear panorama just isn't going to happen from any place I can actually get to.

BUT, I do have stuff to show for my pooped state :) I have another FINISH!!! I am currently down to 16 WIPs - yes, ONLY 16 :) I finished the chickens on Thursday! I had to play around with the lettering a good bit to get it spaced correctly, once I picked the font (with help from the PINS ladies - thank you!).

I am glad to have this done - partly because I really didn't think it was going to take quite that long, which was due in part to the top being repeated at the bottom (albeit flipped) - repetition slows it down a bit. But mainly, this was the stiffest piece of Monaco I've ever gotten hold of, and since all this blackwork was done with 2 strands instead of 1, it was a bit more "work" than I thought it would be going in. And it didn't soften up as I worked it. Strange. But in the end, I think it's pretty cool - and I am glad I subbed the red they had charted for this rustier color - that bright red just wouldn't have worked, IMO.

cloud photos - lots & lots that look like repeats, but if you look CLOSE, you can see the subtle movements - start here.

So when I got that done, I got out my Birds of a Feather SAL and got a decent bit of progress on Part 2 over the weekend. I hope to have this done before I go to OH, but if not, the week I get back - it's not going with, because I know I won't have light sufficient for working on 35ct, even if I have time to work on anything, which I highly doubt.

Also, in prep for getting things ready for the fair, I, as usual, have framing to do. I ordered 4 frames from my favorite OFS (online frame shop), Frames By Mail. I will only be able to submit 2 of the 4 for judging (one is too big inside dimension, but fits the outer dimension - how stupid is that rule?), and the other, well, it's a pair, and you can only enter one per class, soooo....

Here are Dream & Imagine, in silver frames, with no glass, and a light layer of batting:

One of these, Dream, I think, is what I will enter in the 14-16 ct class (they are both on 32ct). And then I framed White Christmas. The mat I chose is a hair greyer than I thought it would be - but you know what? I think I have done a pretty good job picking these mats online when all I have to go by is a little tiny thumbnail that's about 2mm x 2mm on various monitors that never show them the same. This is too big on the inside, by 1 1/8", to go to the fair, though the outside dimensions fit their dumb criteria. This frame is really cool in person - the picture doesn't really show it very well, but it's gold that has been whitewashed, I guess is the best way to describe it, though it's actually ivory over the gold.

I also have a frame for Starry Nights, but I just didn't get to it yet - it's purple metallic, it's going to be cool. Trust me :) That'll get done one night this week; it will get glass in it, but since I haven't gotten glass cut yet for this or WC, you'll get a photo without (unlike my BoINK photo last December, glare & all).

So that's the progress for the week. I will keep on with BoaF this week, get Starry Nights framed, pick the photos I am submitting - I gotta pre-register all of this by the 22nd. I am also waiting for a couple of DMC perles to show up for the small project I am doing for The Stitcher's Village Sampler project - we are assembling a HUGE sampler from pieces done by as many members as can; so, if you are a member of the Stitcher's Village, consider participating - see the forum for details! If you aren't a member of the Stitcher's Village, check it out! There are links to lots of shops, and lots going on in the social area!

I think this small project will be what I take to OH with me, though it depends on how full the book bag is by the time I get all the electronics in it and how many TSA alarms I'll set off :)

7 comments:

I always love your choice of frames. The way you talk it sounds like you choose them online, what's your source?Framing (like many other stitching related gits-n-bobs) are limited in Aus & ordering o'seas might be the solution I'm looking for. I particularly love dream.

@JulieD - yes, I buy most of my frames online at Frames By Mail. There is also PictureFrames.com, which I haven't ordered from yet, but will when I get Murky Manor done - they have a skull & bones molding that I HAVE to have :) As far as I know, they both ship international! And while there are a couple of frame shops near me, they are EXPENSIVE - I framed these 4 things cheaper than I could have one done professionally...

I love your clouds pics. They're lovely. And good luck at the fair. All your pieces look lovely, as usual. BoaF Mystery Sampler is looking good as well. Glad it's nice and cool where you are. It's nice and cool here this morning too. I hope you enjoy your trip to Ohio!! I live in Cincy, and it's been HOT here lately, so you will feel right at home. Decent air quality here, and in Columbus, so hopefully that will be good for you!

About Me

I grew up in southeastern Ohio. I joined the USAF in 1986, and saw a little bit of the world before my active duty ended in 1990. I am currently living north of Atlanta, GA, with my husband, two boys, and various animals. I am a print junkie - I read everything - I write, and am always making things; I cross stitch and do beaded jewelry currently, but have done stained glass, thrown pottery, various kinds of sewing, and other crafts. By day, I work in manufacturing, as an engineering change analyst and DBA; by night, I am Head Cook and Chief Bottle Washer, and artiste extraordinaire...